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If you want to keep your ride in tip-top shape, you perform regular maintenance. After all, the last thing you want is for your car to break down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Whether you prefer to do it yourself, file a car warranty claim, or call a mechanic, car maintenance can get expensive. However, some credit cards can help you save as you maintain your ride.
Here are two credit cards to keep your car running smoothly.
1. Discover it Balance TransferÂ
Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter for quarterly rotating bonus categories; 1% cash back on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for six months on purchases, and 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then APR.
Why We Picked It: If you buy auto supplies from the right merchants, you can save big this quarter.
For Your Ride: For the rest of 2017, the 5% cash back bonus category is Amazon.com and Target purchases. While you may not be able to find everything you need at these merchants, routine maintenance supplies and parts are readily available and will earn you a fantastic cash back rate.
Drawbacks: Bonus categories shift every quarter, and some won’t apply to auto expenses.
2. Bank of America Cash RewardsÂ
Rewards: 3% cash back on gas and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for up to $2,500 in purchases each quarter (1% cash back on purchases beyond that threshold); 1% cash back on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus:$150 bonus cash if you spend $500 in the first 90 days.
Annual Fee:$0
APR:0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, then variable 13.99% to 23.99% APR.
Why We Picked It: You can earn cash back as you fuel up and purchase auto supplies at your favorite wholesale club.
For Your Ride: With 2% cash back at wholesale clubs, you can stock up on auto supplies and save. Plus, gas purchases earn 3% cash back.
Drawbacks: There’s a quarterly limit on the special cash back rates.
How to Choose a Card for Car Maintenance
The right credit card depends on the type of auto purchases you make. If you’re focused on fuel, you should choose a gas rewards card. If you’re concerned with the cost of auto parts, find a card that earns cash back at your supplier of choice. If you want to avoid interest on an expensive repair, a card with a strong 0% APR offer can help.
Some credit card issuers offer roadside assistance services (for varying costs) as part of their overall benefits package. If you’re driving a fixer-upper with reliability issues, you may want to check for a solid roadside assistance policy.
What Credit Is Required for a Car Maintenance Credit Card?
Usually, the best credit cards are reserved for those with excellent credit, but there are rewards cards for consumers of all kinds and credit scores. Before you apply for a card, check its credit requirements against your credit score—you can get a free credit report from Credit.com. If it doesn’t look like you’ll qualify, just keep shopping around.
Image: istockÂ
At publishing time, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, Discover it, Citi Simplicity, and Citi Double Cash cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
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